Fresh Choices! For Vendors
The New WIC Food Package
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Welcome
Welcome to WIC vendor training for
Fresh Choices! The New WIC Food
Package
WIC Vendor Website Address:
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/index.html
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Purpose of the Training
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To familiarize you with the new WIC foods
and the changes to the current WIC foods
that WIC participants will begin to receive
starting August 1, 2009
To provide you with needed information
that you may use to train all store
employees about the WIC food changes
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Why is the WIC food package
changing?
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Improve nutrition
content and variety
of WIC foods
Appeal to diverse
populations
Promote and
support
breastfeeding
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What are the new WIC foods?
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Fruits and Vegetables (fresh, frozen and
canned)
Whole grain products (including whole
wheat/grain bread, brown rice, oatmeal,
and soft corn or whole wheat tortillas)
Baby foods – fruits and vegetables for all
infants and meat for breastfed infants who
receive no formula
Canned beans and canned salmon
Soy milk and tofu for some participants
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Transition to the New WIC Food
Package
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Because WIC participants receive 3 months
of vouchers at a time, there will be a
gradual 3 month transition from the
current food package to the new food
package.
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This means that between August 1st and
October 31st, some participants will have
vouchers for the current food package and
some will have vouchers for the new food
package.
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Transition to the New WIC Food
Package
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Stores will need to have both the current
WIC food products and the new WIC food
products in stock during the August 1st to
October 31st time period.
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Effective November 1st, all WIC vouchers
will reflect the new WIC food package and
stores will only need to stock the new WIC
food products.
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Transition to the New WIC Food
Package
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Stores will need to plan ahead to
insure that there is adequate
availability of the new WIC foods
beginning August 1st and that you do
not order too much of the WIC foods
that will no longer be available for
purchase after October 31st.
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WIC Shopping Guide
Provides detailed information on all of
the WIC foods that participants can
receive beginning August 1st.
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provided with a Quick
Reference Guide to
the new WIC foods
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Changes to current WIC foods
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First let’s review the biggest changes to the
foods currently offered in the WIC food
package.
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Changes in Milk
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Beginning August 1st, approximately ¾ of
participants will receive vouchers for fatfree/skim or 1% milk only
Whole milk and 2% milk will still be offered
to some participants, such as children
between 1 and 2 years of age.
Participants who can receive whole milk or
2% milk will have vouchers that specifically
list these milks.
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Changes in Milk
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Beginning August 1st, stores will need to
carry more skim and 1% low-fat milk and
less 2% and whole milk for WIC customers
Cashiers will need to pay close attention to
specific varieties of milk listed on the
voucher
No NIDO brand, specialty milks or milk in
bottles will be allowed
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Minimum Stock Requirement
for Milk
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Currently, stores must carry two varieties
of milk and whole milk can count toward
the minimum stock requirement
With the new minimum stock
requirements, stores must carry two
varieties of milk, but whole milk cannot be
counted toward the minimum stock
requirement. The two varieties of milk can
include skim milk, 1% milk or 2% milk.
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Examples of New Milk Vouchers
Voucher with skim/fat-free milk or 1%
milk:
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Examples of New Milk Vouchers
Voucher with whole or 2% options
listed:
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Changes in Cheese
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American cheese will no longer be WICallowed due to availability issues, salt
content and confusion with processed
American cheese food products.
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No changes in minimum stock
requirements.
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Changes in Eggs
Participants will only be able to get
large eggs with their WIC vouchers
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requirements.
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Changes in Cereal
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According to Federal requirements, at least
half of all cereals on our food list must be
whole grain (at least 51% whole grain)
The WIC Shopping Guide lists the cereals
that meet this whole grain standard.
Only whole grain cereals will be counted in
minimum stock requirements (although
other WIC approved cereals may be
stocked because of customer preference).
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Changes in Cereal
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The new cereals added include:
Honey KIX (whole grain)
Unfrosted Mini Wheats (whole grain)
Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners
(whole grain)
Whole Grain Cream of Wheat (whole grain)
Rice Krispies (not whole grain)
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Changes in Juice
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Allowable container size will change from
46-oz to 64-oz.
Shelf stable plastic containers and frozen
concentrate will continue to be WIC
approved.
64 ounce paper or plastic cartons of
refrigerated 100% orange or grapefruit
juice (citrus juice) will be allowed.
Non-frozen concentrate will no longer be
WIC allowed.
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Changes in Juice
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Only single flavor fruit juices (no flavor
blends) will be WIC approved (vegetable
juice will still be WIC allowed). The
allowable juices must provide 120% of the
daily requirement for Vitamin C per
serving.
Flavors that will be WIC approved are
orange, grapefruit, grape, pineapple,
apple, tomato and vegetable.
The only WIC approved Juicy Juice flavor
will be apple.
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Changes in Juice
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The message on the voucher will now state
that participants must purchase either 64
ounce containers of juice or frozen
concentrate juice. WIC customers cannot
combine these options, however.
Store cashiers will need to pay close
attention to the specific amounts and sizes
of juice listed on the vouchers.
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Changes in Juice
Example of WIC voucher with juice:
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Changes in Infant Formula
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No brand changes, but…under new
minimum stock requirements, stores
will only be required to stock the 12.9
ounce Similac Advance powder infant
formula.
If a participant has a voucher for the 12.9
ounce powder Similac Isomil or Similac
Sensitive formula or a voucher for any of
the 13 ounce concentrate Similac formulas,
it is expected that your store would
routinely stock this formula.
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Changes in Infant Formula
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Currently, the most common amount of
formula listed on vouchers is nine cans of
powder formula.
Beginning August 1st, stores will notice that
formula amounts on vouchers will vary.
The amount of formula each infant receives
will depend on the infant’s age and breast
feeding rate.
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Changes in Infant Formula
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As a reminder, the Similac Advance
label has been or will shortly be
replaced by a label that says Similac
Advance EarlyShield. WIC participants
will continue to receive vouchers that
list the Similac Advance formula and
these vouchers should be redeemed
for the new labeled product.
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Changes in Dry Beans, Peas
and Lentils
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Bulk purchases of dry beans, peas or
lentils in a 14 to 16 ounce amount is
ok.
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Bulk organic dry beans are ok.
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Changes in Peanut Butter
15 to 18 ounce size containers are
allowed
z No peanut butter spreads or blends
are allowed
z No refrigerated peanut butter is
allowed
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Fresh Choices! For Vendors
The New WIC Foods
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Fruits and Vegetables
The eligible fruit and vegetable products are
listed in the WIC Shopping Guide. They
include:
z Fresh Fruits – any variety
z Fresh Vegetables – any, except white
potatoes* and herbs (sweet potatoes and
yams are allowed)
*white potatoes are any potatoes such as russet,
red, Yukon gold, etc
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Fruits and Vegetables
WIC-allowed fresh fruits and
vegetables include:
z Any variety – cut or whole (except
white potatoes)
z Plain bagged salad mixtures or
bagged vegetables
z Organic
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Fruits and Vegetables
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Canned or Frozen Fruits – any canned fruits in
juice pack or water pack without added sugars,
oils or salt. Any frozen fruits without added
sugars.
Canned or Frozen Vegetables – any, except
white potatoes*, without added sugar, fats or oils.
May be regular or low sodium.
*white potatoes are any potatoes such as russet,
red, Yukon gold, etc.
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Fruits and Vegetables
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WIC-allowed canned vegetables include:
Any plain variety or plain mixture (without
white potatoes)
Any container type (metal, plastic, glass)
Any size
Regular or low sodium
Organic
No added sugar, fats, oils or potatoes
No VegAll
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Fruits and Vegetables
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WIC-allowed canned fruits include:
Any brand packed in water or juice (no
added sugar or artificial sweeteners)
Any plain fruit or fruit mixtures
Any container type (metal, plastic, glass)
Any size, but no packages that contain
individual servings
Applesauce – only unsweetened varieties
Organic ok
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Fruits and Vegetables
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In addition to other canned fruits and
vegetables, participants may also obtain
certain canned tomatoes
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Fruits and Vegetables
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WIC-allowed canned tomatoes include:
Any plain variety whole, crushed or diced
Metal cans only
Any size
Organic ok
No soups, salsa, paste, sauces (pizza,
spaghetti or tomato). No added sugar,
fats, seasonings (other than salt), or oils
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Fruits and Vegetables
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WIC-allowed frozen fruits include:
Any variety or mixture of plain fruits with
no added sugar
Any bag or box package (except no plastic
tub containers)
Any size
Organic ok
No added sugar, artificial sweeteners or
other ingredients
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Fruits and Vegetables
WIC-allowed frozen vegetables will include:
z Any plain variety without added sauces
(except white potatoes) or plain vegetable
mixture (without white potatoes)
z Any bag or box package (including steam
in the bag)
z Any size, except single serving packages
z Regular or low sodium
z Organic ok
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Fruits and Vegetables
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Participants will receive a fixed value
voucher to purchase WIC allowed fresh,
canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.
The fruit and vegetable voucher dollar
amounts will vary between $5 and $10.
The most common amounts listed on these
vouchers will be $6 and $8.
Participants are eligible to receive WIC
allowed fruits and vegetables up to the
dollar amount listed on their vouchers.
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Fruits and Vegetables
Example of fruit and vegetable
voucher:
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Fruits and Vegetables
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The price written in on the fruit and
vegetable voucher at the cash register may
not exceed the dollar amount listed on the
voucher
Participants may pay the difference if they
exceed the dollar amount listed on their
fruit and vegetable voucher
Cash, EBT or credit/debit cards may be
used to pay the difference
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Fruits and Vegetables
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If a participant chooses not to redeem the
full amount listed on the fruit and
vegetable voucher, the exact amount of
the transaction should be entered on the
voucher.
If a fruit and vegetable voucher has a
dollar amount entered by a cashier that is
more than the dollar amount listed on that
voucher, the store will be required to
reimburse the state WIC program for the
overage amount.
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Fruits and Vegetables
(minimum stock)
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Beginning August 1st, stores will need to
stock fresh fruits and vegetables
The minimum stock requirement will be
thirty pounds of WIC-allowed fresh fruits
and vegetables in at least seven varieties,
two of which must be bananas and carrots
No specific minimum stock requirements
for canned or frozen fruits and vegetables
have been set. However, stores must make
available canned and/or frozen fruits and
vegetables if a participant requests them.
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Fruits and Vegetables
(minimum stock)
Stores that do not currently stock many
fresh fruits and vegetables should start
planning for the minimum stock
requirements
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Whole Grains
The new whole grain food products include:
z Whole wheat/whole grain bread–only
allowed in 16 oz (one pound) packages in
the brands listed in WIC Shopping Guide.
z Tortillas – soft corn or whole wheat/whole
grain tortillas only (corn or whole
wheat/whole grain must be listed as first
ingredient). Only allowed in 14-16 oz
packages in the brands listed in WIC
Shopping Guide.
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Whole Grains
Brown Rice
z Any brand is allowed in a 14-16 oz
package.
z Bulk is ok, including organic.
z Instant, quick or regular cooking is
allowed.
z No wild rice, mixes or boil in bag varieties.
z No added sugar, fats, oils or salt.
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Whole Grains
Oatmeal (Rolled Oats)
z Allowed in 14-16 oz packages only.
z There are two WIC allowed brands listed in
the Shopping Guide: Mom’s Best Natural
Quick Oats and Mother’s Rolled Oats.
z Bulk is ok, including organic.
z No added sugar, fats, oils or salt.
z No steel-cut oats.
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Whole Grains (minimum stock
requirements)
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Beginning August 1st, stores will need to
stock WIC-allowed whole grain foods.
Under the new minimum stock
requirements, stores will need to have in
stock at all times, five pounds of WICallowed whole grains, of at least three of
the following varieties: whole wheat/whole
grain bread, whole grain tortillas, oatmeal
and/or brown rice.
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Whole Grains
Example of voucher listing bread OR
tortillas:
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Whole Grains
Example of voucher listing brown rice
OR oatmeal:
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Infant Foods
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Infant fruits – any variety single
ingredient or two or more fruit ingredients
combined (e.g. apple/banana), 4 oz or 4.5
oz sizes only. No added sugar, salt or
cereal. No desserts.
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Allowed brands include: Gerber, Nature’s
Goodness, Beech Nut, HyVee, Roundy’s
(organic), Wild Harvest (organic) and Full
Circle (organic)
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Infant Foods
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Infant vegetables – any variety single
ingredient or two or more vegetable
ingredients combined (e.g. corn/peas), 4
oz or 4.5 oz sizes only. No added sugar or
salt. No added meats. No dinners.
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Allowed brands include: Gerber, Nature’s
Goodness, Beech Nut, HyVee, Roundy’s
(organic), Wild Harvest (organic) and Full
Circle (organic)
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Infant Foods
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Infant meats – any variety meat or
poultry as a single ingredient, 2.5 oz sizes
only. Added broth or gravy is allowed. No
added sugar or salt. No dinners.
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Allowed brands include: Gerber, Nature’s
Goodness, Beech Nut, HyVee, Tuv Taam
(kosher)
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Infant Foods (minimum stock
requirements)
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Beginning August 1st, stores will need to stock
baby food fruits and vegetables.
Under the new minimum stock requirements,
stores will need to have in stock at all times: 256
ounces of WIC-allowed baby food fruits and
vegetables in at least three varieties of baby food
fruits and three varieties of baby food vegetables
The minimum stock requirement per store is
equivalent to 64 4-ounce containers.
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Infant Foods (minimum stock
requirements)
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Stores will need to stock baby food
meats upon request of a WIC
customer. When listed on a WIC
voucher, a WIC participant can get up
to 31 containers of 2.5 oz WIC
allowed infant meats.
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Infant Foods
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More shelf space may needed to
accommodate the increased demand for
the infant food products.
These jars/containers will be spread out on
more vouchers.
It will be important to make sure that the
correct price is entered on each voucher,
so that vouchers are not overpriced.
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Infant Foods
Example of voucher with infant fruits
and vegetables:
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Infant Foods
Example of voucher with infant meat:
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Infant Foods
In addition to baby food, some older
infants may have vouchers that list
up to two pounds of fresh bananas.
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the fruit and vegetable vouchers,
because participants may not pay
the difference if they exceed two
pounds of bananas.
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Infant Foods
Example of voucher with fresh
bananas:
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Infant Foods
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If bananas exceed two pounds at cash
register, one or more bananas will need to
be removed until transaction is equal to or
less than two pounds
Smaller stores may want to prepackage
two pounds of bananas (if there is not a
scale available to weigh fresh produce).
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Canned Beans
WIC participants may now choose to
get canned beans instead of dry
beans on their vouchers
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their WIC clinics that will specify this
option
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Canned Beans
Example of voucher with canned
beans:
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Canned Beans
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WIC approved canned beans include:
14-16 oz can
Any brand
Regular or low sodium
No added sugar, fats, oils or meat.
No bean soups, refried beans, baked
beans, pork and beans or green beans
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Canned Beans (minimum stock
requirements)
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Beginning August 1st, stores will need to
stock canned beans
Under new minimum stock requirements,
stores will need to have in stock at all
times, 192 ounces of WIC-allowed canned
beans or legumes, in any combination of at
least three varieties
192 ounces of canned beans is equivalent
to (12)16-ounce cans
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Canned Fish (for fully
breastfeeding women)
In addition to canned tuna, canned
pink salmon will also be WIC-allowed
z Any brand of pink salmon will be
allowed in can sizes up to 30 ounces
z Regular or low sodium, canned in
water, and single ingredient only
z No salmon in oil, foil or lunch packs
z No red salmon
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Canned Fish (for fully
breastfeeding women)
Chunk light tuna will continue to be
allowed in 5-6 ounce cans, packed in
water only
z No tuna packed in oil, foil or lunch
packs
z No albacore/white tuna
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Canned Fish (minimum stock
requirements)
Under new minimum stock
requirements, stores will need to
have in stock at all times, 30 ounces
of WIC-allowed canned fish
z Stores may stock tuna or pink salmon
or a combination, as long as the
amount of canned fish equals or
exceeds 30 ounces
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Soy Beverage/Tofu
In addition to cow’s milk, some WIC
participants may also have vouchers
for soy beverage or tofu.
z Participants will receive vouchers at
their WIC clinics that will specify this
option.
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Soy Beverage/Tofu
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Example of voucher with tofu:
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Soy Beverage/Tofu
Example of voucher with soy beverage:
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Soy Beverage/Tofu
Tofu
z The brands are listed in the WIC Shopping
Guide
z Must be in a 12-16 oz package
z Can be refrigerated or shelf stable
z Organic tofu is ok
z Must list calcium on the label
z No added fats, sugar, oils, sodium or other
ingredients
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Soy Beverage/Tofu
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Soy Beverage
Plain, shelf stable or refrigerated
Quart size or half-gallon containers are allowed,
although vouchers will specify half gallon
containers. One half-gallon is equal to two quarts.
Only two brands are currently WIC-allowed:
Pacific Natural Foods - Ultra Soy Brand (shelf
stable) in a quart size container and 8th Continent
(refrigerated) in half gallon container
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Soy Beverage/Tofu (minimum
stock requirements)
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Although there are no specific
minimum stock requirements for tofu
or soy beverage, a store will need to
stock WIC allowed tofu or soy
beverage upon request of a WIC
customer.
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Fresh Choices! For Vendors
Points to Remember
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UPC Codes
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A list of UPC codes for many of the new
WIC foods is being compiled and will be
made available to vendors when completed
We will not be able to provide a list of
PLU’s
Please let us know if your store stocks a
product that you think may be WIC allowed
but the product is not included on the UPC
listing.
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Price Guidelines
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Prices for the new WIC foods will be
collected from all WIC approved vendors
during the next price survey in September.
In the interim, maximum price limits will
be set based on the best available
information as obtained from distributors,
manufacturers and other state WIC
programs.
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New Food Package Questions
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If you have any questions regarding
the food package changes, please
contact us at the numbers listed in
your packet or call our toll free
number at:
1-800-657-3942
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Patience
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Having patience with WIC customers
during the transition to the new WIC food
package will be very important.
You can also expect patience from the WIC
Program Vendor Unit staff during the
implementation of the food package
changes. Our focus will be on working with
you to make the transition to the new WIC
foods a success.
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Food Package Updates on the
WIC Web Site
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The specific brands of WIC allowed foods
may change as the food manufacturers
continue to modify their products to meet
the new food package requirements.
As new products are developed and
become WIC approved, we will notify you
of these changes and these products will
be listed on our website:
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic
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Questions?
Thank
You!
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